Mendocino County Public Health

06/03/2026

More food options are here at WIC! Pick and choose more foods your family enjoys.

- Swap some of your WIC milk for other healthy options like tofu or yogurt.

- Need a different protein? You can swap your eggs for items like peanut butter, canned or dry beans or tofu.

At your next appointment, ask your WIC counselor about the foods you can swap.

See all your new options at MyFamily.WIC.ca.gov.

06/02/2026

June is National Safety Month!

E-bikes are fun and make getting around easier, but they’re heavier and faster than regular bikes. That means less time to react, slow down or stop, and a greater chance of losing control. If your teen rides an e-bike, a regular bike helmet might not protect them at these speeds. Choose a helmet with extra coverage, thick padding, a strong shell and increased impact protection such as MIPS to help reduce the risk of brain injury.

💡DYK: In California, riders under 18 must wear a helmet on all bikes.

Learn more:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/are-electric-bikes-e-bikes-safe-for-children.aspx

06/02/2026

Putting on your seat belt is easier than the consequences of not buckling in. 💯

Click It or Ticket

06/02/2026

Young adults prepare meals for their parents, children, and themselves. Food safety is key to preventing foodborne illnesses. The FDA developed “Everyday Food Safety” resources to increase food safety awareness among young adults ages 18 – 29.

Young adults prepare meals for their parents, children, and themselves. Food safety is important in preventing foodborne illnesses, and it takes a few second...

05/29/2026

There have been 5 devastating hot car deaths before summer has even officially begun. 🚘💔

Parents — it takes less than a minute to build a life-saving routine:
🧸 Keep a stuffed animal in the front seat as a visual reminder
🎒 Leave an important item in the back seat so you have to check
🔑 Keep your car locked at home so kids can’t crawl inside and get trapped

05/28/2026

Poisonous Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) and Western Destroying Angel (Amanita ocreata) mushrooms are continuing to grow in California, including in areas where they are normally not found.

These poisonous wild mushrooms can look and taste like safe-to-eat mushrooms. Just one bite can lead to hospitalization, a liver transplant and even death.

Mushroom hunters and foragers face serious risk. California is experiencing a record-breaking outbreak of severe illness and deaths linked to people accidentally eating these poisonous wild mushrooms.

If you or someone you know may have eaten a poisonous wild mushroom:
- Immediately seek medical care.
- Call the Poison Control hotline: 1-800-222-1222.

Learn more: go.cdph.ca.gov/PoisonMushrooms

05/28/2026

Exploring California’s outdoors comes with a responsibility to protect your health, especially during tick season.

Ticks are most active in the spring and early summer and are often found in brush, leaf litter, and tall grass. Simple habits like staying on clear trails, using EPA-approved repellents, and checking pets and gear can go a long way in disease prevention.

05/27/2026

Have you been tested for hepatitis B? This Hepatitis Awareness Month, learn more about CDC's hepatitis B screening and testing recommendations. Check out our resources and find out why getting tested at least once in your lifetime is so important: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-awareness/about/index.html

05/26/2026

🎨🧺 Play is powerful – and simple! It also supports your child’s mental well-being.
You don’t need fancy toys or big outings to help your child grow and thrive. Here are a few simple ways to make play easy and meaningful:

- Everyday items like crayons, cardboard boxes, paper and balls can spark creativity and connection.

- Short on time? Play can happen anywhere — while shopping, cleaning or walking to the car.

- No safe outdoor space? Explore ways to play safely at home or in your community.

Learn more: go.cdph.ca.gov/childmentalhealth

05/26/2026

May is Women’s Health Month!🌸💞

From routine checkups and preventive screenings to reproductive and maternal health services, Mendocino County Public Health provides resources to support women through every stage of life.

You can learn more about local resources available to women in our communities by visiting https://www.mendocinocounty.gov/departments/public-health